Time-domain multiplexing of power and data
First Claim
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1. A power adapter comprising:
- power conversion circuitry to receive AC power and provide DC power;
detect circuitry for detecting a connection of an electronic device to a first wire and a second wire;
power circuitry to provide the DC power over the first wire and ground over the second wire; and
communication circuitry to receive first signals from the electronic device over the first and second wire and to provide second signals to the electronic device over the first and second wire,wherein the DC power provided by the power circuitry and the second signals provided by the communication circuitry are time-domain multiplexed such that the DC power is not provided by the power circuitry when the communication circuitry provides the second signals and the second signals are not provided by the communication circuitry when the DC power is provided by the power circuitry.
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Abstract
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may allow an electronic device to control a power adapter. One example may provide an electronic system where an electronic device may control a power adapter through a communication channel. Data transferred in the communication channel may include the temperature of the power adapter, the charging capability of the adapter, and other types of data. In one example, power and data may share the same two wires, and the power and data may be time-division multiplexed. That is, the two wires may convey power and data at different times. Another example may include circuitry to detect a connection between the electronic device and the power adapter. Once a connection is detected, power may be transferred from the power adapter to the electronic device. This power transfer may be interrupted on occasion to transfer data between the power adapter to the electronic device.
29 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A power adapter comprising:
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power conversion circuitry to receive AC power and provide DC power; detect circuitry for detecting a connection of an electronic device to a first wire and a second wire; power circuitry to provide the DC power over the first wire and ground over the second wire; and communication circuitry to receive first signals from the electronic device over the first and second wire and to provide second signals to the electronic device over the first and second wire, wherein the DC power provided by the power circuitry and the second signals provided by the communication circuitry are time-domain multiplexed such that the DC power is not provided by the power circuitry when the communication circuitry provides the second signals and the second signals are not provided by the communication circuitry when the DC power is provided by the power circuitry. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. An electronic device comprising:
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detect circuitry for detecting a connection of a power adapter to a first wire and a second wire; power receiving circuitry to receive DC power over the first wire and ground over the second wire from the power adapter; charging circuitry to charge a battery using the received DC power; and communication circuitry to provide first signals to the power adapter over the first and second wire and to receive second signals from the power adapter over the first and second wire, wherein the communication circuitry does not provide the first signals to the power adapter when the power receiving circuitry is receiving DC power from the power adapter. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An electronic system comprising a power adapter and an electronic device connected together using a cable having conductors consisting of a power conductor and a ground conductor,
wherein the power adapter is configured to detect that the electronic device is connected to the power conductor and the ground conductor, and the electronic device is configured to detect that the power adapter is connected to the power conductor and the ground conductor, the power adapter is configured to provide power to the electronic device using the power conductor and the ground conductor, and the electronic device is configured to receive power from the power adapter using the power conductor and the ground conductor; - and
the electronic device is configured to provide first signals to the power adapter using the power conductor and the ground conductor, and the power adapter is configured to provide second signals to the electronic device using the power conductor and the ground conductor, wherein the power provided and the second signals provided by the power adapter are time-domain multiplexed. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A power adapter and cable apparatus comprising:
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a power adapter comprising; power conversion circuitry to receive AC power and provide DC power; power circuitry to provide the DC power over the first wire and ground over the second wire; and communication circuitry to provide signals over the first and second wire; a cable comprising; the first wire; and the second wire; and a plug comprising; a light-emitting diode; and circuitry to receive the signals over the first wire and the second wire and to provide at least a part of a current path for the light-emitting diode, wherein the DC power and the signals provided by the power adapter are time-domain multiplexed. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification
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Current AssigneeApple Inc.
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Original AssigneeApple Inc.
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InventorsSmith, Eric, Hinch, Bryan R., So, Tommee
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Primary Examiner(s)WILLIAMS, ARUN C
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Application NumberUS13/286,982Publication NumberTime in Patent Office1,050 DaysField of Search320/128US Class Current320/128CPC Class CodesG06F 1/263 Arrangements for using mult...
